BEST READ ALOUD BOOK EVER!!! I was introduced to this book in a college during a read aloud presentation for a teaching course and It truly touched my heart. The story of Beekle is filled with the most beautiful illustrations! The illustrator Dan Santat is also the author, so the images perfectly align with the text. Dan’s use of space, color, and texture perfectly sets the mood for each phase in Beekle’s fun adventure. I have used this book for many read aloud lessons and it is always a hit! Even my 1st grade students love making real world connections about their feelings and beekles! :)
How long would you wait and how far a journey would you make to find your truest friend? Born on an island for imaginary friends, Beekle waits to be "imagined by a real child." He waits and he waits, but his turn never comes. Filled with impetuous courage, Beekle does the unimaginable and heads out across deep waters until he reaches the real world. He finds that life there is so harried that no one notices him. Eventually, as he waits at the top of a star-leafed tree, a small girl with a friendly face calls out to him with a picture in her hand. They learn to be friends, share adventures and snacks, joke, "and together they did the unimaginable." Santat's attention to detail in the mixed-media illustrations shares a child's eye for laughter and movement on full-bleed spreads with strategically placed text. Gazes of wonderment, broad smiles, and changes in perspective ensure an easy transition from page to page. Beekle's round white visage and taped orange paper crown are immediately identifiable in each scene, a sharp contrast to his surroundings against variations of dark neutrals on a city street or the brightly colored dragons of a child's imagination. Like Beekle's new friend, there's something here that feels just right as an "unimaginary" friendship creates a joyous, recognizable bond. A terrific addition to any library.
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